By Springnewsng Media Limited
March 22, 2025

Many Nigerians have expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, http://Many Nigerians have expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State,leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduhttp://suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly. The National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule has further fueled criticism. In an interview with Channels Television, renowned professor of political economics and founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, Pat Utomi, shared his views on the controversial decision.

Excerpts from the Interview:

Q: You have openly opposed the president’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State. Were you surprised by how the National Assembly handled the matter?

Pat Utomi: Democracy was murdered in Nigeria. I cannot, in good conscience, say that this country is still a democracy. The process was carried out with complete disregard for the sensitivities of Nigerians. Years ago, during the third-term debate, Nigerians demanded transparency in legislative votes on crucial national issues. Yet today, our lawmakers insult the people by hiding behind a sham process. The National Assembly has consistently disrespected the Nigerian people, proving that we no longer have a functioning democracy.

It is heartbreaking to witness those who once hid while some of us risked our lives for democracy now desecrate it for personal gain. They have made democracy a joke, selling it for a mess of pottage. This is a tragic moment for Nigeria.

Q: The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, defended the voice vote, stating there was no dissenting voice.

I have witnessed Akpabio call for a voice vote where the majority said nay, yet he declared the ayes have it. There is video evidence of such instances. This entire process is a scam designed to deceive Nigerians. Our institutions are being systematically dismantled.

The National Assembly no longer provides oversight or checks and balances; it has become a mere extension of the executive, rubber-stamping decisions that hurt our democracy. The world is watching and laughing at us, and it is a tragedy that we find ourselves in this situation.

Q: Some argue that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the president to declare a state of emergency. What makes this declaration unconstitutional in your view?

What exactly is the crisis in Rivers State that warrants a state of emergency? We have seen greater unrest in Nigeria’s history—pipeline explosions in Rivers, political crises in Lagos, and legislative battles in Edo—yet no emergency was declared. So why Rivers?

Governance should be based on fairness and equity, but I see none here. This is nothing but an attempt to rubbish the democracy we fought so hard for. However, history has shown that karma eventually catches up with those who undermine justice. Sadly, Nigeria will remain in poverty for a long time because of the reckless actions of these political elites.

Q: The president argues that the emergency rule is necessary to preserve democracy in Rivers State. Do you disagree?

Absolutely. If we were to compare Rivers State to Edo during Godwin Obaseki’s crisis, we would find no significant difference. Yet, no emergency was declared in Edo.

Let’s be clear: this crisis is between two factions. Who are they? What are they fighting for? And why must millions of people suffer because of their egos? Our constitution does not recognize political godfathers, yet one man unilaterally makes decisions that affect an entire state. That is not democracy; it is dictatorship.

Q: You cited past crises where no emergency was declared. Does that justify the current situation?

The real question is: what precedent does this set for Nigeria? If Rivers State can be targeted today, what stops any future government from doing the same in another state for political reasons? The economy is already in crisis—people are starving, inflation is rising, and investors are fleeing. Instead of focusing on national development, our politicians are playing games with our democracy.

These actions damage Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage. Who would want to invest in a country where political instability can overturn elected governance overnight? There will be consequences for these actions—both politically and economically.

Q: Is your issue with the emergency rule itself or the suspension of the elected government?

There was no justification for this declaration—none. Nigeria faces more severe security challenges in the North, where banditry and terrorism persist, yet no emergency was declared there. This was a politically motivated move, orchestrated to serve the interests of a few.

Our country has been placed on the global map as an unstable environment. Investors will pull out, businesses will struggle, and the Nigerian people will suffer. It is a national disgrace.

Q: With the National Assembly now endorsing the emergency rule, what is the way forward?

They can still undo this mistake. A voice vote on such a critical issue is unacceptable in any serious democracy. They must reverse it.

However, I have little hope that these lawmakers will choose to correct their actions. They have sacrificed the future of their children for temporary political gains. But let me assure them—there will be judgment, and history will not be kind to those who destroyed Nigerian democracy.